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Lumbosacral spine CT

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

CT scan
CT scan
Skeletal spine
Skeletal spine
Vertebra, lumbar (low back)
Vertebra, lumbar (low back)
Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)
Vertebra, thoracic (mid back)
Lumbar vertebrae
Lumbar vertebrae

Alternative Names    Return to top

Spinal CT; CT - lumbosacral spine

Definition    Return to top

A lumbosacral spine CT is a computed topography of the lower spine and surrounding tissues.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

The CT is performed with the patient lying face-up.

In some cases, an iodine-based contrast dye may be injected into a vein to help visualize tissues. In other cases, a CT of the lumbosacral spine may be performed after injecting contrast dye into the spinal canal during a lumbar puncture, to further check for pressure on the nerves.

The scan will usually last a few minutes.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

The patient should remove all jewelry or other metals that may cause inaccurate images.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

The x-rays are painless. The primary discomfort may be from the need to lie still on the table.

If a contrast dye is given through a vein, you may initially feel a slight burning sensation in the injected arm, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually disappear within a few seconds.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

A CT scan is an excellent tool for evaluating fractures and degenerative changes of the spine (such as from arthritis). MRI is a superior exam for imaging the spinal cord and intervertebral disks.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Conditions that may be revealed include:

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include osteomalacia.

Risks    Return to top

Update Date: 10/25/2006

Updated by: Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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